Alcaraz makes winning return

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic return to Grand Slam action after a four-month injury absence, defeating Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open on Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alcaraz, who had been out with a wrist injury since April, showed little sign of rust in his first competitive match since the layoff. "It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said. "Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn't decide to come back in a better tournament. It's a really special place for me."

The 23-year-old, who won the Australian Open in January to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, said he was most proud of overcoming his own doubts about his fitness. "I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy," he said.

Alcaraz's smooth progress into the second round came less than 24 hours after Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, falling in five sets to Mariano Navone. The tournament was already missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, who has a knee injury, leaving Alcaraz among the leading contenders in the men's draw.

Sabalenka advances with aggressive display

Women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka began her bid for a third consecutive US Open title with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Colombia's Camila Osorio. The world No. 1 hit 32 winners but was slowed by 23 unforced errors, according to reports.

"I'm happy with my performance," Sabalenka said after a match she described as coming during a difficult spell in which she has not reached a final since March. She advanced to a second-round meeting with Russia's Polina Iatcenko, as reported by The Nation (Pakistan).

Other results from day one

Stefanos Tsitsipas produced the day's major upset, defeating 10th seed Arthur Fils 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4. The Greek said the victory had given his confidence a much-needed boost.

Former champion Iga Swiatek eased past China's Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-3, while Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova beat Sinja Kraus 6-3, 6-0. Naomi Osaka overcame Anastasia Zakharova 7-6(6), 7-6(3).

Last year's runner-up Amanda Anisimova celebrated her 25th birthday with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over fellow American Ashlyn Krueger. American hopes were strengthened by wins for Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe; Shelton beat Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2. Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Rinky Hijikata 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, and China's Zheng Qinwen advanced with a comeback win over Kristina Liutova.

Stan Wawrinka, who is set to retire at the end of the season, lost his final US Open match to Matteo Berrettini. Alexander Zverev was scheduled to begin his campaign on Tuesday.